How Long Does It Take to Get a Marriage Certificate from the Dominican Republic?
Getting married in the Dominican Republic is a dream for many couples — turquoise waters, golden sand, and a stress-free tropical setting. But if you're planning a legally recognized marriage (not just symbolic), you’ll need to understand the timeline for receiving your official marriage certificate.
Let’s walk through the process and answer the most important question: How long will it take?
Timeline Overview: From Ceremony to Certificate
If your wedding is civil and legally binding, here’s the standard timeline:
Wedding Day: Your civil ceremony is performed by a Dominican judge or notary.
2–10 Business Days: The marriage is registered at the local Oficialía del Estado Civil (Civil Registry Office).
3–7 Business Days: The registry issues the official Dominican marriage certificate.
5–10 Business Days (if needed): If you're requesting an apostille for international use, the certificate must be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIREX) in Santo Domingo.
In total, it can take between 2 and 4 weeks to receive your apostilled marriage certificate, depending on processing times and whether you’re handling it yourself or through a local legal coordinator.
Why the Apostille Matters
If you live in a country that’s part of the Hague Apostille Convention (such as the U.S., Canada, the UK, and most of Europe), your marriage certificate must be apostilled to be legally recognized back home.
An apostille is a type of international authentication that proves your Dominican certificate is legitimate.
Can the Certificate Be Sent to Me by Mail?
Yes. If you’re already back in your home country, the certificate and its apostille can be sent to you via international courier (such as DHL or FedEx). Make sure to:
Provide a clear international shipping address
Request tracking and delivery confirmation
Pay applicable courier fees
Some couples prefer to have their wedding planner or legal service in the DR handle this on their behalf for convenience.
Do I Need to Translate the Certificate?
Yes — if your home country does not use Spanish, your apostilled Dominican marriage certificate must be translated by a certified translator for legal procedures like immigration, name change, or spousal benefits.
Should I Plan to Stay in the Dominican Republic Until I Get It?
Most couples do not wait in the country for the full processing time. They enjoy their wedding and honeymoon, then leave all legal processing in the hands of a planner or legal assistant. Your documents can be handled and mailed after your departure.
Tips to Speed Up the Process
Submit all required documents early (at least 3–4 weeks before your wedding date)
Use a bilingual legal advisor or experienced planner
Have all documents pre-translated and apostilled in your home country
Confirm details with your wedding provider well in advance
If you would like to have an agent in the Dominican Republic to assist you with the process of receiving your documents and sending your marriage certificate directly to your home, contact us on WhatsApp.
People Also Ask
How long does it take to get a Dominican marriage certificate? Typically 2 to 4 weeks, including apostille.
Can I receive the certificate after returning home? Yes, it can be mailed to you via courier.
Is the Dominican marriage certificate valid internationally? Yes, once it’s apostilled and translated if required.
Can I get married today and receive the certificate tomorrow? No — registration and processing take several business days.
Is the marriage legal without the certificate? It is not legally valid internationally until the certificate is issued and apostilled.
